ARLINGTON -- Roy Oswalt pitched two scoreless innings in the Rangers' 5-4 victory over the Athletics on Monday. It was the veteran right-hander's first appearance in over two weeks, but his work as a reliever is not being overlooked and he is still in a position to win a spot on the Rangers' playoff roster.

"I thought he was outstanding," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He came in, pounded the strike zone, hooked up his secondary stuff and moved his fastball around down in the zone."

It was Oswalt's first time on the mound since leaving a start against the Rays on Sept. 9 with tightness in his right forearm. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

"It went good, it went well," Oswalt said. "I was surprised I had pretty good command. I kept the ball where I wanted, it didn't drift on me. My body is a little sore today, but my arm feels pretty good."

The Rangers are limiting Oswalt to about two innings because of his arm, but he could still fit into their postseason bullpen as a middle reliever.

"He has pitched well out of the bullpen, he really has," Washington said.